digestiu

Digestiu is a term used in Catalan to describe an after-dinner alcoholic beverage intended to aid digestion. The concept corresponds to the French digestif and to the broader practice of serving a small, flavorful drink after a meal. Digestius are typically higher in alcohol and often sweet, herbal, or aromatic, and they are consumed in small portions.

Common forms include aged spirits such as cognac, armagnac, or brandy; herbal liqueurs such as amaro varieties, chartreuse, or Benedictine; fortified wines such as tawny port or sherry; and other liqueurs like amaretto, grappa, or limoncello. Regional varieties reflect local ingredients and traditions, and many blends are designed to be sipped slowly after dessert.

Serving typically takes place in a small glass, such as a snifter or tulip, and is often served at room temperature or slightly chilled. In some traditions it may be warmed in cold weather. The digestiu is usually presented as a concluding course to the meal, occasionally alongside coffee or dessert, and is distinct from aperitifs, which are intended to stimulate appetite before eating.

Health and consumption notes emphasize moderation, as digestifs are alcoholic beverages with varying sugar levels and alcohol content. While traditional beliefs associate digestifs with improved digestion, scientific evidence for specific digestive benefits is limited; the practice remains largely cultural and ceremonial.